Pigface, a common succulent, can be juiced for oil to drizzle over shaved abalone or squid.

Venison comes from Narooma, squid comes from Eden, abalone and kingfish are plucked from the sea by local fisherman.

Mr Tyler learned to spot unusual bush foods through extensive research, as well as a little trial and error.

''I spent a solid month driving up and down the coast, going into nurseries, speaking to horticulturalists in the area who knew bits and pieces, some Aboriginal people in the area who pointed things out,'' he said.

The chef said the paddock-to-plate approach helped the restaurant ''stay true to our area''.

''Our produce, our dinners become more unique because we're not trying to source all this produce that's not available in our area, and we've become more seasonal and our menus change week to week and ingredients only become available week to week.

''Some things only become available for a few weeks and then they're gone.''